Sketch of sex assault suspect released

IMPERIAL BEACH  Sheriff’s officials released a sketch Monday of a man suspected of sexually assaulting a woman in Imperial Beach last week.

The 41-year-old woman was confronted by a man on Palm Avenue and Fifth Street around 1:20 a.m. on July 8, sheriff’s officials said. He showed her a knife and forced her to walk a few blocks down Palm Avenue to a yard where he sexually assaulted her.

The woman was able to escape when she heard voices nearby, sheriff’s officials said. She told a couple in the area what happened before calling 911.

The man is described as black, around 6 feet 1 inches tall, 175 pounds, with short dark hair, and a lean build. He was wearing either a white T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt and long dark shorts.

Anyone with information can contact the Sheriff’s Department at (858) 565-5200 or anonymously call Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.